Eastlund Funeral Home, Syracuse, IN

Elmer Armbruster

efhadmin — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 17:24:38 +0000

Elmer Armbruster, 89, of Syracuse, passed away September 4, 2010 at his residence. He was born on September 20, 1920 in Syracuse, IN to Andrew W. & Anna Mary (Rapp) Armbruster.

On February 22, 1948 in Elkhart County he married Doris Davis who survives. Elmer was a lifelong area resident. He operated a dairy farm for many years. He was a member of the Wawasee Heights Baptist Church, Syracuse. Elmer is survived by his wife Doris of Syracuse. A son – Daniel (Deborah)Armbruster of Syracuse. A daughter – Mary Sue (David) Grenert of Lakeville. 11 Grandchildren, 12 Greatgrandchildren. 2 sisters – Lillian Butt of South Bend & Barbara (Walt) Claeys of South Bend. He was preceded by a son – David Armbruster, 2 sisters and 1 brother.

Calling hours will be Tuesday, September 7, 2010 from 2-4 & 6-8 at the Eastlund Funeral Home. Services will be Wednesday, September 8, 2010 at 1:00 PM at the Wawasee Heights Baptist Church in Syracuse with Pastor John French officiating. Burial will follow at the Syracuse Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Wawasee Heights Baptist Church

Forrest J. Mock

efhadmin — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 13:34:00 +0000

Forrest J. Mock, 91, of North Webster passed away August 26, 2010, at The Maples, Goshen, Indiana.

He was born to James R. and Eva Marie (Koher) Mock on the family farm at North Webster on July 19, 1919. He married Evelyn M. Rogers on September 28, 1947, who preceded him in death in 2002.

Surviving Mr. Mock are his sister-in-law Mrs. Dean (Sue) Mock of Elkhart, brothers-in-law Reverend Kermit Nordeen and Hans Schmahl of Stillwater and Marshall, Minnesota, respectively; nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by all his siblings including, Marcella Bockman, Bonnie Eberly, Charlotte Baugher, Dale Mock, and former State Representative Dean Mock.

After graduating North Webster High School where he played basketball and was team captain during his senior year, he lived in Detroit with family friends columnist William Albert and Ruth Jacoby and worked as a foreman at Briggs Manufacturing Company in aircraft component assembly. While at Briggs he played basketball on the 1943 league-winning Briggs industrial team. He proudly served in the Army of the United States during World War II, first training in anti-aircraft artillery then advancing to aircraft instrument specialist. He served as a sergeant in the Air Transport Command at air bases stateside and in Great Britain. After World War II he worked as a meat cutter in Fort Wayne, Warsaw, and his hometown where he owned and operated The Locker Plant and later worked in construction.

He was a life member of the American Legion Post 253 at North Webster.

There will be no visitation. Graveside services officiated by Reverend Myron Drent with military honors by the North Webster American Legion will be held at North Webster Cemetery, Mock Addition on North 850 East south of East 500 North, at 2:00 PM, Saturday, September 11^th.

Memorial contributions to honor his love of God’s creatures may be made to the Animal Welfare League of Kosciusko County, P. O. Box 1906, Pierceton, Indiana 46562.

Doris M. Blackport

efhadmin — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 14:40:19 +0000

Doris M. (England) Blackport, 77, of Syracuse passed away August 19, 2010 at Goshen General Hospital. She was born September 8, 1932 in Logansport, IN to Bert & Lonie (Taylor) Randolph. She married John Blackport in June of 2000 who survives her. She was a retired restaurant owner, operating Englands for many years. She was a member of the Wawasee Baptist Church. She is survived by her husband, John Blackport. 5 Daughters – Becky (Ken) Schmitt, Wanda (Scott) Brown, Sue Cougar, Marsha(Gary) Weaver, and Deborah(J.R) Miller. 2 Sons – Douglas (Cheryl) Ringler Sr. and Dennis Ringler. 15 Grandchildren, 24 Great-Grandchildren and 4 Great-Great-Grandchildren. 3 Sisters-Leona Peters, Litta Hylton, and Shirley Pace. She was preceeded by her husband Kellie England, 1 Brother, 1 Grandson, and 1 Daughter.

Calling hours for Doris will be Saturday, August 21, 2010 from 4-8 PM at the Eastlund Funeral Home. Services will be Sunday, August 22, 2010 at 2:00 PM with Pastor Harold Gingrich officiating at the funeral home. Burial will follow at the Syracuse Cemetery.

W. DeFord ‘De’ Hite

efhadmin — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 18:49:51 +0000

W. DeFord ‘De’ Hite, 90, Lake Wawasee, died Wednesday, August 18, 2010. Born March 5, 1920, in Fort Wayne, he was the son of Willis DeFord and Edith S. (Stecher) Hite. On November 11, 1943, he married Dorothy Elizabeth (Bay) Hite, who survives. He graduated from Butler University, the United States Coast Guard Academy, and received a MBA degree from Ball State University. Hite served his country as a Lieutenant J.G. in the U.S. Coast Guard during W.W. II, in both the European and South Pacific Theaters. He served aboard the U.S.S. General Hugh L. Scott. Hite retired from GTE of Indiana, as V.P. of Marketing, after serving 37 years. He was a member of the Calvary United Methodist Church. He was a Free Mason and a member of Scottish Rite and the Shrine. His hobbies included sailing and water and snow skiing. Survivors also include one daughter: Celestine H. Cutter (husband Bill), Batesville, IN; one son and daughter-in-law: Col. James and Susan Hite, Atlanta, GA; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by one brother, Samuel C. Hite. Visitation is Saturday, August 21, from 1:00 P.M. – 2:00 P.M., followed by a private memorial service officiated by Rev. Kevin Rhoads at Eastlund Funeral Home, Syracuse. Memorials may be made to Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation (WACF), P.O. Box 548, Syracuse, IN 46567 .

Philip C. Wilson

efhadmin — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 13:34:21 +0000

Philip C. Wilson, 73, of Leesburg, IN went home to our Lord after a lengthy battle with Leukemia on August 9, 2010. He was born November 14, 1936 in Greens Fork, IN to Donald A. & Mary Eva (Goodson) Wilson. He was a US Army veteran, as well as a Ball State University, Muncie, Graduate. On March 29, 1985 he married Becky Murphy. Phil served as a Distributor for Brodbeck Seeds. He was a member of the North Webster American Legion Post #253. He is survived by his wife Becky Wilson of Leesburg, IN. 6 Daughters – Krista (Paul) Grove of Albany, IN, Kathy (Rich) Garringer of Ridgeville, IN, Kelly (Scott) Covey of Granger, IN, Tammy (Paul) Hadley of North Webster, IN, Barbara ((Roger) King of Parker City, IN and Colleen (Charlie) Murphy-Shepherd of Pierceton, IN. 1 Son – Pat Murphy of Leesburg, IN. 9 Grandchildren, 11 Nieces & Nephews. 3 Sisters – Marcia Poms of La Selvia, CA, Anita Wilson of San Diego, CA and Sheryl (Ron) Brown of Greens Fork, IN. His Step-Mother, Caroline Wilson of Richmond, IN. Calling will be Friday, August 13, 2010 from 10 AM until Noon. A memorial service will be at noon at the Eastlund Funeral Home with Pastor Kent Butcher from the Vineyard Church officiating. Military Honors will follow at the Funeral Home. A gathering at the North Webster American Legion will follow the services. In Lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations are made in Phil’s name to the Leukemia Society. Memorial envelopes will be available at the Funeral Home, or donations may be mailed to the Funeral Home.

Eastlund Funeral Home – 7458 E 1000 N, Syracuse, IN 46567

Donald C. Helmreich

efhadmin — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 13:14:51 +0000

Donald C. Helmreich, 78, of Columbia City passed away Sunday, August 8, 2010 at Kosciusko Community Hospital. He was born October 23, 1931 in Chicago, IL to Felix & Laura (Gross) Helmreich. On June 16, 1956, in Oak Park, IL he married Ruth Romoser who survives. Don was a US Army Veteran. He retired Tyler Machinery in Warsaw, IN from marketing and sales. He was a member of the Shepherd by the Lakes Lutheran Church in Syracuse. Don is survived by his wife Ruth of Columbia City, 1 Son Jeff (Rhonda) Helmreich of Plano, TX. 4 Daughters – Ellen (Randy) Pett of Saginaw, MI, Jean (John) Emenhiser of Columbia City, Claire (Carl) Fickenscher of Fort Wayne, Katherine (Rich) Tursic of Union, KY. 18 Grandchildren. 1 Brother – Robert Helmreich of Fort Collins, CO. Calling will be Friday, August 13, 2010 at 12:30 PM at the Shepherd by the Lakes Lutheran Church. Services will be Friday at 1:30 at the Church with Pastor Jerry Winegarden officiating. Memorial contributions may be made in Don’s name to the Shepherd by the Lakes Lutheran Church – 7449 E 1000 N, Syracuse, IN 46567

Freda M. Watkins

efhadmin — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 13:49:29 +0000

Freda M. Watkins of N. Manchester, IN passed away on Aug. 6, 2010 at Parkview Hospital in Ft. Wayne. She was born in Perry County, KY on May 20, 1927. She is survived by 4 sons and daughter-in-laws, James Watkins and wife Leslie of Cincinnati; Joseph Watkins and wife Ginger of Washington Court House, OH; Gregory Watkins and wife Susan of North Manchester, IN; and Willard Watkins Jr. and wife Jean of North Webster, IN. She is survived by 16 grandchildren and 33 great-grand children. Freda is also survived by a brother, Biege Campbell of Dayton, OH and sister Laura Watkins of Peru, IN. She was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Willard Watkins.
Freda was born in the south-eastern region of Kentucky, one of 9 children of Mitch and Polly Campbell. Mitch was a coal miner. Freda moved to Cincinnati in 1954 with her family. She worked at Formica and later for Attractive Frocks in Cincinnati. She also worked with her husband at the Shell Gas station he owned and operated throughout the 70s.
Freda attended First Love Baptist Church of Laketon, IN. Her life’s passion was her family. She loved to spend time with her children, many grand and great grandchildren. Cooking and caring for her family brought her great joy. When she had time, she’d work in her flower and vegetable gardens.
Freda will be missed in life by many who loved her. Calling hours will be Sunday, August 8, 2010 from 12PM until 2 PM at the Eastlund Funeral Home in Syracuse. Services will be Sunday at 2 PM at the funeral home. Burial will follow at the Booneville Cemetery in Larwill.

Garry Valentine

efhadmin — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 14:06:26 +0000

Garry Valentine, 54, of North Webster, IN. passed away Sunday, August 1, 2010 at his residence. He was born February 26, 1956 in Warsaw, IN to John & Judy (Garber) Valentine. On February 9, 1980 he married Mary Rupprecht who survives. Garry was a lifelong area resident. He was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps. Garry was a construction worker for many years. He is survived by his wife Mary Valentine of North Webster. 1 Son – Curtis (April) Valentine of North Webster. 1 Daughter – Rochelle Valentine of Elkhart, IN. 3 Granddaughters and 1 Sister – Debbie Hodges of Rochester. A memorial service to honor Garry’s life will be at the North Webster American Legion on Sunday, August 15. The visitation will be 11:00 to 1:00 with the Memorial Service starting at 1:00. Eastlund funeral home is in charge of arrangements.

Linda Kaye Crow

efhadmin — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 13:15:55 +0000

Linda Kaye Crow, 65, of Syracuse died at 11:15 AM, July 24, 2010, at her home surrounded by her family. Linda was born January 12, 1945, in Washington, D.C, the daughter of Anna L. (Annie Lou Stuckman) and Woodrow D. Robertson. She married Stephen B. Crow on June 21, 1963. Linda was a member of the Eastern Star.

Surviving are her husband of 47 years, Steve; two daughters and son in laws, Sonya and Jack Wells of Plano, Texas and Stephanie and Rick Arnett of Avon, Indiana; one son and daughter in law, Chris and Melissa (Barbre) Crow of Carmi, Illinois; her mother Anna and Bill McDowell of Syracuse, Indiana; her mother in law, Thelma Crow of Syracuse, Indiana; six grandchildren, Adam (Christine) Shock, Matthew Wells, Michael Arnett, Lauren Arnett, Ryan Arnett and Camden Crow; and one great grandchild, Haidan Arnett.

Linda was preceded in death by her father, Woodrow D. Robertson; her father in law Maurice Crow; and a sister in law, Marsha Fisher.

A Celebration of Life will be held Wednesday, July 28, 2010 at 7:00 PM at the Eastlund Funeral Home in Syracuse, Indiana. A visitation will be held from 5 PM until the time of service at the funeral home. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Linda’s name to the Syracuse Public Library.

Robert F. Graff

efhadmin — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 13:05:43 +0000

Robert F. Graff, 80, passed away Wednesday, July 21 at Goshen General Hospital. He was born June 8, 1930 in Crown Point to Walter and Hazel (Benner) Graff. Robert was married to Patsy Jessup, who preceded him in death in 2008.

He was a United States Marine Corps veteran who served in the Korean War. He worked in construction for many years, including Buhrt Builders. He enjoyed carpentry, art, poetry and history. He loved and served his country and faithfully served his God. He took pleasure in his children and grandchildren.

He is survived by four daughters, Dawn (John) Nyikos, Abagail (Robert) Johnston, Susanna (James) Legner and Esther (David) Terry; six sons, Douglas (Margaret) Graff, Timothy Graff, Robert (Susan) Graff, Stephen (Michelle) Graff, John Graff and Benjamin Graff; 19 grandchildren; four great-granddaughters; a brother, Dennis Graff; and four sisters, Bonnie Johnson, Avis Gross, Miriam Orten and Delores Wheeler. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife and a son.

Calling hours will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday at Eastlund Funeral Home, Syracuse, where the funeral service will take place Tuesday at 11 a.m. The Rev. Jim Legner will officiate. Burial with military honors will follow at New Paris Cemetery.